How to change DNS on Android (Private DNS)

DNS is the system that turns a website name into the number a computer needs to reach it. Your provider supplies a DNS by default. Changing it can sometimes help when sites load slowly or fail while the connection is fine.

Option 1: Private DNS (all networks)

Android 9 and newer has a Private DNS setting that encrypts DNS lookups on Wi-Fi and mobile data.

1. Open Settings and look for Network & internet or Connections.
2. Look for Private DNS (it may be under More connection settings).
3. Choose Private DNS provider hostname and enter the hostname of the DNS service you want.
4. Save.

Public DNS services publish their hostname on their websites. Choose a well-known one and type it exactly. If you leave it as Automatic, Android uses your network’s DNS when it supports encryption.

Option 2: change DNS for one Wi-Fi network

1. Open Settings > Wi-Fi, then tap the settings icon next to your network.
2. Look for Advanced or IP settings and change DHCP to Static.
3. Fill in the DNS 1 and DNS 2 boxes with the addresses of the service you chose, and keep the other boxes as they were.
4. Save.

This only changes that one network. Be careful: a mistake in the other boxes can stop the internet working.

When it can help

• Sites load slowly while speed tests are fine.
• Some sites fail to open on one network but work on another.
• The error says the server cannot be found.

When it will not help

It does not make your plan faster, fix a weak signal or unblock a site that is blocked by law or the site itself. For slow Wi-Fi, see how to improve your Wi-Fi signal. For no connection at all, see Wi-Fi connected but no internet or mobile data not working.

Privacy and safety

The DNS service you choose can see which sites you ask for. Pick one whose privacy policy you have read. Do not use a DNS address a stranger sent you: bad DNS can send you to fake websites. If you see odd pop-ups or redirects, check for malware: how to check your phone for malware.

How to undo it

Set Private DNS back to Automatic (or Off). For a single Wi-Fi network, switch IP settings back to DHCP.